Mediterranean food is full of color, flavor, and heart. From grilled seafood and fresh herbs to creamy dips and warm flatbreads, it’s the kind of food that feels like sunshine on a plate.
All across the U.S., chefs are bringing the magic of the Med to life in amazing ways.
These 15 spots stand out for their bold flavors, cozy vibes, and unforgettable meals.
1. Aliada Restaurant – Astoria, NY
Tucked into the heart of Queens, this Greek-Cypriot gem feels like it belongs on a seaside island. The char-grilled octopus is smoky and tender, while the lamb chops arrive sizzling with lemon and oregano.
The meze-style menu is built for sharing, so every table buzzes with energy. Warm bread, olive oil, and good conversation—Aliada delivers all three without fail.
2. Oleana – Cambridge, MA
The first thing you notice is the scent: spices, herbs, and fire-roasted vegetables drifting from the kitchen. Chef Ana Sortun’s dishes—like creamy fatteh and crisp falafel—strike a perfect balance between comfort and surprise.
The backyard patio, covered in vines, adds to the charm. Dining here feels like a relaxed dinner in Istanbul, but with a New England breeze.
3. AVA MediterrAegean – Winter Park, FL
Walking into AVA feels like entering a dream where whitewashed walls meet sleek elegance. The menu blends old-world Greek flavors with high-end style—think truffle hummus and Aegean seabass served like artwork.
The lights are low, the music pulsing softly, and the service impeccable. It’s a place where celebration meets flavor in the most memorable way.
4. Iris – New York, NY
In the heart of Manhattan, Iris delivers bold Aegean flavors with a modern twist. Dishes like grilled octopus with fennel or sumac-dusted hummus arrive looking almost too pretty to eat.
Sleek interiors and sharp plating give it a chic, cosmopolitan edge. Every plate tells a story that starts in Greece and lands in NYC.
5. Andros Taverna – Chicago, IL
This Logan Square favorite serves up Greek classics with big-city polish. The seafood is flown in fresh, the moussaka is deeply satisfying, and the spanakopita flakes just right.
The vibe is lively but never loud—just the hum of happy diners and clinking glasses. It’s a place to savor tradition with a contemporary touch.
6. Estiatorio Milos – Miami Beach, FL
Seafood is the star here, and it shows—from whole grilled fish to delicate crudo, every dish shines. The ingredients are so fresh they practically taste like the sea breeze rolled right into your mouth.
The space is sleek and airy, with white linens and marble accents. Dining here feels like a vacation in Santorini, without the jet lag.
7. Dalida – San Francisco, CA
Inspired by Istanbul’s many layers, Dalida blends Eastern Mediterranean influences into every dish. There’s smoky eggplant, tangy yogurt sauces, and grilled meats that arrive still sizzling.
Inside, it’s moody and elegant with just the right dose of drama. This is a dinner you remember long after the final bite.
8. Lilac – Tampa, FL
Every detail at Lilac speaks to precision, from the plating to the pacing of the tasting menu. Chef John Fraser’s creations play with Mediterranean ingredients in unexpected ways—like za’atar-dusted scallops or citrusy couscous.
It’s refined but not cold, with staff who guide you through the meal like storytellers. A Michelin star feels perfectly placed here.
9. Sayad Mediterranean Kitchen – Houston, TX
Middle Eastern flavors come alive in this Houston haven, where labneh is impossibly creamy and grilled lamb arrives perfectly charred. Chef Mohammad Ismail brings warmth and pride to every dish.
The space is low-key and welcoming, with spices perfuming the air. It’s the kind of place that earns regulars after just one visit.
10. La Marsa – Michigan & Florida
Whether you’re in Detroit or down in Florida, La Marsa keeps things fresh and full of flavor. The lentil soup is velvety and rich, the shawarma juicy and well-seasoned.
Everything is made from scratch, and it shows in the way locals keep coming back. It’s fast, friendly, and consistently delicious—Mediterranean comfort food done right.
11. Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean – Sioux Falls, SD
In the middle of South Dakota, this cozy café serves food that tastes like it traveled from the Mediterranean straight to your plate. Think hummus with a little kick, fresh tabbouleh, and handmade pita still warm from the oven.
The focus is healthful without sacrificing flavor. It’s food that feels as good as it tastes.
12. Agora – Washington, D.C. & Tysons, VA
Step into Agora and you’re surrounded by aromas of grilled lamb, spiced dips, and warm flatbreads. Turkish and Greek influences shape the menu, with rich flavors and vibrant plates to match.
The setting is stylish yet relaxed, perfect for a lingering dinner. With so many small plates to share, it’s hard to stop ordering.
13. Phōs – Catskill, NY
Opening soon in the Catskills, Phōs promises classic Greek dishes made with local Hudson Valley ingredients. Expect juicy gyros, baked moussaka, and plenty of tzatziki with a regional twist.
The buzz is already building thanks to its bold vision and location. It’s set to become a favorite getaway for food lovers upstate.
14. Limani – Washington, D.C.
Luxurious without being stuffy, Limani brings Aegean elegance to the capital. Seafood takes center stage here—perfectly grilled, lightly dressed, and always stunning.
The setting is crisp, white, and polished, with service that knows how to make a meal feel special. Add a bottle of Greek wine and you’re transported.
15. Mēdüzā Mediterrania – New York, NY
A romantic glow fills the Meatpacking District’s new crown jewel, named Yelp’s Best New Restaurant of 2024. Mēdüzā blends pan-Mediterranean flavors with flair—pomegranate-glazed lamb, saffron rice, and cocktails that sparkle with citrus and spice.
Everything feels cinematic, from the open kitchen to the candlelit tables. It’s not just dinner—it’s a scene, and the food plays lead.